"This is a simplistic (sometimes a little too simplistic) blend of catchy hard rock overlaid with traditional melodies"
"Elemental Tales is a fun album to listen to, and if that's all you're after it will serve you well"
"In the Shadow of a Mountain is a decent album with moments of brilliance, rather than simply an exceptional album."
"Though Helvetios doesn't quite live up to its billing as a concept, it's still an impressive effort"
"Kitab Al-Awthan is a genuinely refreshing listen and one that is highly recommended for anyone seeking an original and interesting album"
The
release of Metsatöll's fifth
album, Ulg, was highly anticipated in their native country,
Estonia. It perhaps wasn't quite so hotly anticipated around the rest
of the world, but since the release of Äio,
their debut on Spinefarm Records, the band has begun to make greater
waves abroad, and with Ulg they look set to continue that
progress. Ulg is a record in much the same vein as their previous release,
presenting a fascinating blend of Estonian folk music and sludgy,
midpaced metal.
Time
Has Come... is the debut EP by
French band Sjuk and represents a decent introduction to a band
clearly still finding its feet. The EP is unlikely to earn Sjuk a
huge degree of fanfare but promisingly displays some encouraging
signs of progression over their 2009 demo, as the band hones its
blend of metal and Celtic folk. It's become a crowded genre but is
not an easy style to master and Sjuk appear to be making strides
towards mastery of that particular style.
We
may as well start this review by acknowledging a simple fact that's
staring us all in the face: Beer Bear is probably the silliest band
name of all time. If the name conjures the image of an inebriated
cartoon bear roaming the woods in a drunken stupor, then the EP's
artwork only enhances this perception – adding shotguns and men of
God into the equation for good measure! And, as if that wasn't
enough, opening track, 'Folk 'n' Roll' (Фолк-н-Ролл)
simply further enhances the imagery with its plodding tempo and
drunken vocals.
Swiss
folk metallers Eluveitie have announced the release date,
artwork and tracklisting of their forthcoming release, Helvetios.
